C4SxM5

So I swapped my CL wheels tonight and ran across 2 things that I need confirmation if its normal or if should contact the dealer.

1. While removing the last wheel the center bolt came out completely with the wheel (see pics). I slid it back in and the piece doesn't seem like its bolted down anyway so figured it was okay. Looks like its made just so the center bolt doesn't spin if that makes sense.

2. After torquing all 4 wheels I went around to make sure the center bolts were fush and none were so used a 17pt bit as recommended in another thread and wiggled it around. 3 popped out easy enough but I spent at least 10 mins on one wheel. Finally gave up on that wheel and stuck a pick in the center hole and was literally able to pull it out. Went around to the other 3 wheels and noticed they "popped" out when wiggled while this one wheel could be pulled out. I wasn't able to pull out on the other 3 wheels as I was on this one.

Thoughts or concerns?

My car is a 2012 tts w/ 12kmi no tracking if that makes in difference. Also the wheel that had the center come out as pictured is not the same as the wheel I am having issues with trying to getting flush.

C4SxM5

Pics if the piece that came out with the wheel.

CRex

The center splines above have been subject to a lot of force. Probably improper tightening on this particular corner at some point. You get those abrasions only when the splines are forced against the "flanges" inside the wheel hub. It's also unusual to see abrasions on the inboard side of these things--it might have been installed at an angle at some point and that's not right.

The better indication of CL wear would be your red "nubs" and the general condition of the conical mating surface between your hubs and wheels. Either way, the pic above warrants a discussion with your dealer.

GT3DE

that looks bad. should be replaced.

CRex

More importantly that's a part that SHOULDN'T see wear & tear. Something was amiss at one point. Dealer time.

drl

hard to tell from pic if that is smudged goo or abrasions. if the latter, no bueno.
crex - not sure if scratches on red nubbins means wear. those things take a bit of abuse during wheel on/off

CRex

^ Yeah, ain't saying his nubbins are toast. I actually meant for the OP to look at the nubbins and use that as an additional datapoint.

Good point about the grease--I forgot that Optimoly can give a similar, silvery appearance. But from having dealt with this particular bit (center splines) quite a few times I surmise that's wear and not grease.

C4SxM5

It's wear around the edges guy. Ill drop by the dealer soon to see if it needs replacement.

Ur20v

Its definitely zinc hi-temp anti-seize grease on the spline corners and smears further down the tube, wear of the anodized coating is evident between the splines and on the radius, is dull in colour compared.

TRAKCAR

It's fine.
GT3DE did not have his reading glasses on.